Tiger Tops Safari

This morning, you'll get up early for your flight to the famous Terai region of Nepal, Chitwan National Park. You'll find that the landscape and culture are totally different from Kathmandu or the Himalaya. The name 'Terai' refers to the extensive plains in the southern part of Nepal—this area is the most northern extension of the great Gangetic plains of India, land that was won and lost in decades of struggle and shares both Indian and Nepali characteristics and culture.

Upon arrival at the airport in Chitwan, you will be picked up by a representative from your lodge and get to the lodge in time for lunch (unless you choose an afternoon flight). Arriving at the gate to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, you will be met by the Tiger Tops staff with a welcome drink in the dining hall. Continue to the garden where lunch will be waiting for you. After lunch you will have a chance to settle into your rooms and explore the lodge grounds - our large swimming pool beckons temptingly and it is easy to while away a sunny afternoon swimming and reading with a cool drink in hand. After tea and biscuits in the main area, we suggest you take a stroll to the Narayani river with our resident elephants and one of our naturalists and watch the family of elephants bathes and frolic while you enjoy your sundowners. Return to the lodge for hot showers and cold drinks before dinner.

Breakfast is served all fresco beneath our shady mango trees fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs and bacon to get the day off to a perfect start. After breakfast prepare for a river safari on the Narayani river. The outing commences with a nature walk or bullock cart ride through the riverine forest, followed by a scenic float down the river. Cruising on the wide expanse of the river, pockets of rapids propel the boats along as gentle waves lap at the sides. Sitting inside a hand-carved boat, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birdlife and wildlife. Top of the list is the endangered fish-eating Gharial crocodile and its more sinister relative, the Marsh-Mugger.
A Nepali-style lunch will be served back at the Lodge, after which you might want to return to the pool for another early afternoon of sunbathing and relaxation.
Later in the afternoon meet with our naturalist for a jeep safari in the national park to get a taste of the jungle. Explore nature in the comfort and convenience of one of our classic vintage Land Rovers. Do not hesitate to ask questions and learn as much as you can - our naturalists are extremely knowledgeable on the animals and the history of Chitwan National Park. During the safari, you will encounter wildlife such as different species deer, birds, monkeys, and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, and hopefully the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
This evening, the dancing troupe from the village will come and dance before dinner - with their brightly colored costumes and infectious rhythms; you’ll soon find your feet tapping along!

Wake up early and tuck into the much loved Lodge special omelet. After breakfast strap on your walking boots, take a sturdy bamboo walking stick and prepare for a day of pure exploration and excitement!
There will be a premade lunch ready along with refreshments to keep you going through the day. A Land Rover will take you down to the river, here you will board a local boat to ferry you across. On the other side will be another Land Rover ready to pick you up and take you into the very heart of the national park. Upon entering your day will be spent in the Land Rover scouting out the undergrowth for that elusive big cat.
On foot, striding down a jungle path enclosed by the Sal trees and the sounds of orioles and hornbills. After skulking on foot we will take you to one of the many “hides” or camouflaged viewing points. Here is where patience is key as you settle down with a cup of tea and lay in wait for any movement, maybe a rhino, maybe a jungle cat... maybe something else!
After the hide, jump back in the Land Rover and allow the guide to give you a tour of other parts of the jungle. You will see a varied range of not only shrubbery and trees but of wildlife also. By now your finger will be worn out from all the clicking and photo taking but keep it strong, early evening around dusk is a great time for spotting leopard and other big cats. Speaking of which, keep an eye out during your trip the for claw marks on trees left by tigers who were sharpening their claws and also marking their territory.
Stop for a drink from the cool box, soak up the last of the rays bursting their way through the canopy as you head back to the river crossing via the scenic route. This is the last chance to scan for a glimpse of a sloth bear or wild boar. Head back over the river and then once back at the lodge, kick off the walking boots, and put your feet up before dinner is served!

After breakfast in Chitwan, you'll be transferred to Bharatpur airport and return to Kathmandu by flight.
Once you're back in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours. Explore the city's streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.
Flight time: 25 minutes